Bis Complexes Research Articles

Co-Catalyzed P-H Activation and Related Cp*Co(III) Phosphine Complexes.

This study reports that the well-known Co(III) precursor Co(η5-Cp*)I2(CO) (1) is an effective precatalyst for dehydrocoupling reactions of phosphines. Reaction monitoring by NMR, complemented by ESI-MS and EPR, suggests that Co(III) complexes containing secondary and primary phosphine ligands play an important role in this catalysis but that redox chemistry is also facile for these complexes, resulting in paramagnetic species. Representative examples of the mono(phosphine) complexes Co(η5-Cp*)I2(PR2H) (2) and Co(η5-Cp*)I2(PRH2) (4) and bis(phosphine) complexes [Co(η5-Cp*)I(PR2H)2] I (3) have been prepared. The characterization of these complexes through structural, computational, spectroscopic, and electrochemical analysis is reported and serves as a foundation for considering their mechanistic significance in the observed catalytic dehydrocoupling chemistry.

Crystal structure of a solvated dinuclear CuII complex derived from 3,3,3′,3′-tetraethyl-1,1′-(furan-2,5-dicarbonyl)bis(thiourea)

Reaction between equimolar amounts of 3,3,3′,3′-tetraethyl-1,1′-(furan-2,5-dicarbonyl)bis(thiourea) (H2L) and CuCl2·2H2O in methanol in the presence of the supporting base Et3N gave rise to a neutral dinuclear complex bis[μ-3,3,3′,3′-tetraethyl-1,1′-(furan-2,5-dicarbonyl)bis(thioureato)]dicopper(II) dichloromethane disolvate, [Cu2(C16H22N4O3S2)2]·2CH2Cl2 or [Cu2(L)2]·2CH2Cl2. The aroylbis(thioureas) are doubly deprotonated and the resulting anions {L 2–} bond to metal ions through (S,O)-chelating moieties. The copper atoms adopt a virtually cis-square-planar environment. In the crystal, adjacent [Cu2(L)2]·2CH2Cl2 units are linked into polymeric chains along the a-axis direction by intermolecular coordinative Cu...S interactions. The co-crystallized solvent molecules play a vital role in the crystal packing. In particular, weak C—Hfuran...Cl and C—Hethyl...Cl contacts consolidate the three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.

Platinum Elimination from Bis(triethylsilylpolyynyl) Complexes (n-Bu2C(CH2PPh2)2)Pt((C≡C)nSiEt3)2 (n=2, 3) and Macrocycles Comprised of Four L2Pt Corners and Four C≡CC≡CC≡C Linkers; An Approach to Cyclo[24]carbon.

The overarching goal of this study is to effect the elimination of platinum from adducts with cis -C≡C-Pt-C≡C- linkages, thereby generating novel conjugated polyynes. Thus, the bis(hexatriynyl) complex trans-(p-tol3P)2Pt((C≡C)3H)2 is treated with 1,3-diphosphines R2C(CH2PPh2)2 to generate (R2C(CH2PPh2)2)2Pt((C≡C)3H)2 (14; R=c, n-Bu; e, p-tolCH2). These condense with the diiodide complexes R2C(CH2PPh2)2PtI2 (9 a,c) in the presence of CuI (cat.) and excess HNEt2 to give the title macrocycles [(R2C(CH2PPh2)2)Pt(C≡C)3]4 (16 c,e) as adducts of the byproduct [H2NEt2]+ I- (30-66 %). DOSY NMR experiments establish that this association is maintained in solution, but NaOAc removes the ammonium salt. The bis(triethylsilylpolyynyl) complexes (n-Bu2C(CH2PPh2)2)Pt((C≡C)nSiEt3)2 (n=2, 3) are synthesized analogously to 14 c. They react with I2 at rt to give mainly the diiodide complex 9 c and the coupling product Et3Si(C≡CC≡C)nSiEt3. The possibility of competing reactions giving IC≡C species is investigated. Analogous reactions of the Pt4C24 macrocycle 16 c also give 9 c, but no sp 13C NMR signals or mass spectrometric Cx z+ ions (x=24-100) could be detected. It is proposed that some cyclo[24]carbon is generated, but then rapidly converts to other forms of elemental carbon. No cyclotetracosane (C24H48) is detected when this sequence is carried out in the presence of PtO2 and H2.

The red or orange emitters based on phenylquinoline or trifluoromethylpyridine iridium complexes with dimesitylboryl or diphenylphosphoryl fluorenyl unit

Novel complexes bis[2-(4-(7-dimesitylboryl-9,9-diethylfluoren-2-yl)phenyl)-4-phenyl- quinolyl-C2, N] iridium (acetylacetonate or 2-picolinic acid), bis[2-[4-(7-diphen- ylphosphoryl-9,9-diethylfluoren-2-yl)phenyl)-4-phenylquinolyl-C2, N]iridium (acetyl-acetonate or 2-picolinic acid), and bis[2-(7-dimesitylboryl-9, 9′-diethylfluoren-2-yl)-5-trifluoromethylpyridinto-C3, N] iridium (acetylacetonate or 2-picolinic acid) were synthesized. 7-Dimesitylboryl (DMB) or 7-diphenylphosphoryl (DPPO) 9,9-diethylfluorenyl with larger steric hindrance was introduced into 2-phenyl-4-phenylquinoline or 5-trifluoromethylpyridine iridium complex to improve the electron-injection and electron-transport abilities and to decrease intermolecular interaction, which promoted luminous efficiency and adjusted emission. The devices displayed stable electroluminescent (EL) peaks at about 620, 600 and 584 nm, which exhibited approximate CIE coordinates of (0.67, 0.33), (0.62, 0.38) and (0.58, 0.42) with maximum current (external quantum) efficiencies of 9.1 (5.7 %), 13.2 (8.7 %) and 6.4 cd/A (3.5 %). Slow decay and high efficiency of devices showed the potential red or orange emitters.

Synthesis of Bis(2,6-Diadamantyl Aryloxide) Ln(II) Complexes of Samarium, Europium, and Ytterbium and Their Ln(III) Precursors.

The syntheses of Ln(II) bis(aryloxide) complexes of Sm, Eu, and Yb have been examined with the bulky aryloxide ligand (OC6H2-2,6-Ad2-4-tBu)1- [(OAr*)1-; Ad = 1-adamantyl]. These LnII(OAr*)2(THF)2 complexes were pursued for comparison with the tris(aryloxide) Ln(II) complexes [LnII(OAr*)3]1- (Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Gd, Dy, and Lu), which have 4fn5d1 electron configurations, and with 4f14 [YbII(OAr*)3]1-. Although the Ln(II) chemistry of Sm, Eu, and Yb is often similar since they all adopt 4fn+1 electron configurations, their chemistry is surprisingly diverse with (OAr*)1-. Reactions of LnIII2(THF)2 with KOAr* in THF form the bis(aryloxide) Ln(II) complexes LnII(OAr*)2(THF)2, 1-Ln, that were characterized by X-ray diffraction for 1-Sm and 1-Yb, but crystals of 1-Eu have been elusive. Reduction of the tris(aryloxide) Sm(III) complex, SmIII(OAr*)3, 2-Sm, prepared from SmIII(NR2)3 (R = SiMe3) and HOAr* in refluxing toluene, generated the bis(aryloxide) complex, 1-Sm, and KOAr* rather than a Sm analogue of [YbII(OAr*)3]1-. Reduction of EuIII(OAr*)3, 2-Eu, prepared from EuCl3 with KOAr* in THF, caused an immediate dark blue-purple to bright red-orange color change, but crystals of the product were elusive. Neither reduction of TmIII(OAr*)3, 2-Tm, nor the reaction of TmIII2(DME)3 with KOAr* provided crystalline Tm(II) complexes.

Understanding the Role of NHC Ditopic Ligand Substituents in the Molecular Diversity and Emissive Properties of Silver Complexes.

Silver bis(carbene) complexes featuring ditopic N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been synthesized which enable the assembly of supramolecular architectures via reaction with silver triflate. Through a systematic exploration of crystal structures and emissive properties, this study investigates the impact of the substituents on the NHC ditopic ligands [R-Im-2-Z-py], where R = Me, benzyl (Bz), or 2-naphthylmethyl (NaphCH2), and Z = H or Cl in the structural framework and emissive properties observed in the silver bis(carbene) or polynuclear species. Remarkably diverse structural motifs emerge in both of them, predominantly influenced by the choice of R wingtip and second by the Z substituent. Also the emissive quantum yield of the complexes is mostly governed by the selection of the R wingtip and further modulated by the Z substituent. Several of the mono and polynuclear complexes exhibit complex emissive profiles, including the observation of dual emission phenomena. Particularly noteworthy is the complex [Ag(NHC)]2]OTf (R = Bz, Z = Cl), which demonstrates an exceptionally intense single blue emission with a remarkable solid-state quantum yield (Φ) of 24%.

A Pd(II) Complex Exhibiting Tetradentate NHC‐Phosphine Ligand: On Route to Unconventional Phosphonium Ylide Derivatives

AbstractUnusual open‐chain tetradentate NHC‐phosphine pre‐ligand [Ph2PCH(Ph)ImCH2ImC(H)PhPPh2](BF4)2 was prepared in a good yield by metal‐mediated approach starting from Mn(I) complex [Cp(CO)2Mn(η2‐Ph2P=C(H)Ph)](BF4) and bis(imidazole) derivative ImCH2Im. Its reaction with Pd(OAc)2 afforded dicationic Pd(II) complex of bis(NHC)bis(phosphine) ligand adopting κ4PĈĈP coordination mode as a mixture of two diastereomers. The deprotonation of the C(H)Ph ligand bridge in the latter using KN(SiMe3)2 as base provided stable complex exhibiting unconventional phosphonium ylide moiety, whereas all attempts to detect the corresponding bis(ylide) derivative failed.

Nickel Bis(dithiolene) Complexes and Tetrathiafulvalenes from Sterically Hindered Di‐ and Tetra‐substituted Dithiine‐dithiolo‐thione Precursors

Three variants of 5,6‐dihydro‐1,4‐dithiin‐2,3‐(1’,3’‐dithiole‐2’‐thione) (dddt) bearing up to four substituents on the ethylene bridge have been obtained by hetero‐Diels‐Alder reaction. The substituted dddt derivatives have the advantage of providing modulation of the steric hindrance and stereogenic centres, and represent valuable intermediates for both tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and metal‐dithiolene complexes. Within this work, disubstituted and tetrasubstituted dddt derivatives have been used for the synthesis of Ni(II) monoanionic and neutral complexes, as well as for tetra‐ and octa‐methylated EDT‐TTF and BEDT‐TTF (EDT = ethylenedithio, BEDT = bis(ethylenedithio)) derivatives. While the influence of the bulkiness and number of the substituents is observed in the solid state packing of both types of materials (complexes and TTF), the absence of the counterion in the case of the neutral complexes translated into increased intermolecular interactions between the donors and the formation of 1D and 2D layers. The two examples of tetrasubstituted TTF radical cation salts reported in here show semiconducting behaviour due to the formation of dimers and lateral interactions through the S atoms. Our findings highlight the importance of substitution on these type of dddt precursors and their potential for electroactive molecular materials.

Gradual spin crossover behavior encompasing room temperature in an iron(II) complex based on a heteroscorpionate ligand.

In this paper, we report the synthesis of six novel triazole-based heteroscorpionate ligands based on heterocycle metathesis reactions and their iron(II) complexes. Single crystal structure analyses were performed, the spectroscopic and magnetic properties of the obtained complexes were studied and their spin crossover-structural relationships were compared to those obtained for their pyrazole-based analogues reported in the literature. In particular, the amino derivative complex bis[hydrobis(pyrazol-1-yl)(3-amino-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)]iron(II) obtained by post-synthetic catalytic nitro-group reduction under pressure of hydrogen in an autoclave presents a scarce gradual spin crossover behavior at room temperature. The profile of the SCO curve can be explained by the presence of only relatively weak H bonds, spreading only in one dimension. Among the interesting spin transition behaviors observed for the different complexes, such stable, complete and gradual spin crossover at room temperature makes this neutral complex a good candidate for sublimation and future investigation as an active element notably for thermoreflectance-based surface microthermometry applications.

Complexes of a Frustrated Lewis Pair-Supported P(-1) Ligand.

Several complexes of the intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP)-supported P(-1) ligand [iPr2P(C6H4)BCy2{P}]- are presented (Cy=cyclohexyl). Chief among these is the first example of a monomeric zinc bis(phosphido) complex, which was synthesized as a potential precursor for the solution-phase deposition of Zn3P2. While this goal was ultimately unsuccessful, the Zn(II) complex acts as a convenient springboard to other metal phosphide species via transmetallation: affording a tellurium bis(phosphido) complex and a formal adduct of the phosphorus subhalide PPCl2. Trapping experiments show that the PPCl2 adduct can also be prepared directly through the in situ reduction of PCl3 in the presence of an intramolecular FLP ligand. Lastly, we report a formal η2-phosphaborene complex of cobalt(-1) which is isoelectronic to olefin complexes, and explore its bonding via density functional theory (DFT) computations.

Copper(II) Complexes of Phenolate‐Bridged Dimeric Cyclam Ligands: Synthesis, Coordination and Electrochemical Study

AbstractBis(macrocyclic) complexes are investigated as artificial analogues of natural dinuclear metalloenzymes. Two ligands containing two cyclam rings connected through a p‐cresol or 4‐nitrophenol spacer were synthesized and their complexing properties were investigated. CuII complexes were prepared and their properties were studied by a combination of spectral, diffraction and electrochemical methods. The phenolate group is not or only weakly coordinated to the central CuII ion and the two macrocycles behave mostly as two independent complexing units. All the determined solid‐state structures showed cyclam adopting trans‐III geometry, however, solution study indicated the presence of more isomers in the solution whose abundance changes with pH. Electrochemical reduction of the complexes is irreversible and results in the reductive decomplexation to amalgamated Cu metal. The amalgamated metal is re‐oxidized to CuII during the anodic scan of CV and the metal ion is re‐coordinated. The ligand containing the nitro group shows an irreversible four‐electron reduction of the nitro group. The ligands and the complexes undergo also a slow degradation when incubated in the aqueous solutions for a prolonged time. The degradation relies on the “retro‐Mannich” cleavage of the methylene bridge connecting the cyclam ring with the phenol moiety.

Metal-Ligand Covalency in the Valence Excited States of Metal Dithiolenes Revealed by S 1s3p Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering.

Metallo dithiolene complexes with biological and catalytic relevance are well-known for having strong metal-ligand covalency, which dictates their valence electronic structures. We present the resonant sulfur Kβ (1s3p) X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) for a series of Ni and Cu bis(dithiolene) complexes to reveal the ligand sulfur contributions to both the occupied and unoccupied valence orbitals. While S K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy played a critical role in identifying the covalency of the unoccupied orbitals of metal dithiolenes, the present focus on XES explores the occupied density of states. For a series of [Cu(mnt)2]n- and [Ni(mnt)2]n- anions and dianions, a comparison of the nonresonant and resonant S Kβ XES spectra highlights the dramatic improvement in spectral resolution and corresponding ability to differentiate subtle changes in occupied electronic structure across the series. Furthermore, the use of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) probes the valence excited states and the core-valence couplings of the complexes. By employing a theoretical approach based on time-dependent density functional theory to interpret the RIXS spectra, we reveal how metal-ligand covalency influences the excited state energies and covalencies. We identify the low energy excited states as having the same symmetry as the nominal "ligand field" or "d-d" states that typically dominate the photophysics of 3d metal complexes but with significant metal-ligand charge transfer character dictated by their covalency. These results suggest that strong metal-ligand covalency can be used to influence the charge-transfer photochemistry of first row transition metal complexes.

Structural Study on Alkali‐Carboxylate Functionalized Late‐Transition Metal Bis(dithiocarbamate) Complexes

AbstractLithium, sodium, and potassium derivatives of amino‐acid derived bis(dithiocarbamate) complexes of bivalent nickel, palladium, platinum, and copper are readily available by treatment of the carboxylic‐acid functionalized complexes with the respective alkali metal hydroxide. Representative derivatives of the types A4[M(L1)2], A2[M(HL1)2], A[M(HL1)(H2L1)] (N‐dithioato‐iminodiacetate, L1), and A2[M(L2,3)2] (N‐dithioato‐l‐prolinate, L2, and ‐N‐benzylglycinate, L3; A=Li, Na, K; M=Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu) were isolated and characterized by spectroscopic and thermal methods. Six entries were accessible to single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination, revealing the presence of different coordination‐polymeric structures and hydrogen‐bonded assemblies comprising solvent‐separated cations in the solid state. While the transition metal always retains its all‐sulfur coordination with defined geometry, the alkali metals are structurally more flexible. The latter are usually coordinated by carboxylate and water, but additional interactions with sulfur donors are also relevant in some cases.

Square-Planar Nickel Bis(phosphinopyridyl) Complexes for Long-Lived Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Phosphinopyridyl ligands are used to synthesize a class of Ni(II) bis(chelate) complexes, which have been comprehensively characterized in both solid and solution phases. The structures display a square-planar configuration within the primary coordination sphere, with axially positioned labile binding sites. Their electrochemical data reveal two redox couples during the reduction process, suggesting the possibility of accessing two-electron reduction states. Significantly, these complexes serve as robust catalysts for homogeneous photocatalytic H2 evolution. In a system utilizing an organic photosensitizer and a sacrificial electron donor, an optimal turnover number of 27,100 is achieved in an alcohol-containing aqueous solution. A series of photophysical and electrochemical measurements were conducted to elucidate the reaction mechanism of photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Density function theory calculations propose a catalytic pathway involving two successive one-electron reduction steps, followed by two proton discharges. The sustained photocatalytic activity of these complexes stems from their distinct ligand system, which includes phosphine and pyridine donors that aid in stabilizing the low oxidation states of the Ni center.

Synthesis and anticancer activity of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes of dodecyl based dithiocarbamate ligands: Insight into the C-H∙∙∙Pt interaction using X-ray structure, DFT, Hirshfeld surface and AIM analysis

Four new homoleptic complexes bis(N-dodecyl-N-benzyl)dithiocarbamato-S,S’)M(II) (where M=palladium (1), platinum (3)) and bis(N-dodecyl-N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)dithiocarbamato-S,S’)M(II) (where M=palladium (2), platinum (4)) were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR and NMR spectra. The crystal structures of 1 and 4 were solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Single crystal X-ray analysis of the two of the complexes (1 and 4) revealed the presence of a distorted square planar coordination geometry (S4) about the metal centre. Complex 4 revealed two intermolecular anagostic C-H∙∙∙Pt interactions which were characterized through a comprehensive set analysis using single crystal X-ray diffraction (experimental) and DFT, Hirshfeld surface analysis and AIM (theoretical) analysis. The electronic behavior, MEP surfaces, FMO and DOS studies of the complexes 1 and 4 were investigated employing DFT. A strong correlation has been found between both experimental and theoretical bond parameters. MTT assay was used to study the antitumor activities of 1–4 against MCF7 cancer cells. The results reveal that all complexes have fine anticancer activities.

Nickel-Catalyzed C-C Activation of Vinylcyclobutane with Visible Light: Scope, Mechanism, and Application to Chemically Recyclable Polyolefins.

N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-supported nickel complexes were investigated for the oxidative ring-opening of vinylcyclobutane (VCB) and photocatalytic activity. Addition of VCB to in situ generated [(NHC)Ni(0)] compounds furnished (NHC)Ni(VCB)2 that underwent oxidative addition and conversion to the corresponding Ni(II) alkyl, allyl-metallacycles. The (NHC)Ni(C6H10) metallacycles were isolated, characterized, and exhibited high thermal and chemical stability. Irradiation with visible light at ambient temperature produced a mixture of ethylene and 4-vinylcyclohexene and 1,5-cyclooctadiene, cycloaddition dimers of butadiene, arising from formal retro-[2 + 2] cycloaddition. A mixture of hexadiene products arising from β-H elimination from the metallacycle was also observed. Free ethylene also underwent a secondary reaction to form cyclopropane products through formal [2 + 1] cycloaddition. A series of sterically and electronically modified NHC ligands was evaluated to establish the structure-activity relationship governing the rate of photocatalytic conversion of VCB and the resulting product distribution. Isotopic labeling experiments, resting state analysis, and independent synthesis of a range of nickel bis(olefin) complexes provided insight into the mechanism of the reaction and origins of the organic product mixture. (NHC)Ni-catalysis was also applied toward the retro-[2 + 2] depolymerization of (1,n'-divinyl)-oligocyclobutane to butadiene dimers.

Counterion Loss from Charged Surface-Bound Complexes Drives the Formation of Loosely Packed Monolayers.

The functionality of multicomponent self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) can be severely diminished by the segregation of like components into nanoscale domains, a process that maximizes favorable short-range intermolecular interactions. Here, we explore the use of a modular family of sulfur-functionalized metal bis(terpyridine) complexes ([M(tpy-R)2]2+(PF6-)2) to prepare mixed SAMs, considering that the comparable structure, dimensions, and ionic composition of these species should render them interchangeable within the adsorbed surface layer. While surface voltammetry experiments show that these SAMs do exhibit compositions representative of their assembly solutions, they also suggest, in line with previous reports, that adjacent complexes in the monolayer are separated by a gap of ∼ 1 nm. Remarkably, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies reveal no F 1s peak features that would confirm the proliferation of PF6- counterions on the surface. We propose that the loosely packed structure of these SAMs results from the loss or exchange of PF6- counterions, which introduces significant repulsive Coulomb interactions between the adsorbed 2+ charged complexes. The hypothesis is supported by an electrostatic model which indicates that these complexes should form close-packed SAMs if mobile counterions are present. First-principles calculations demonstrate that complex-counterion binding interactions are weakened by charge transfer to the gold substrate, suggesting that this may play an important role in the formation of such low-coverage SAMs. Together, this study raises important questions regarding the assembly, organization, and composition of charged SAMs and highlights new opportunities in the design of multicomponent monolayer assemblies with free volume, for example, to facilitate surface-based reactions or support molecular switches.

Transition Metal Complexes with Appended Benzimidazole Groups for Sensing Dihydrogenphosphate.

Four new complexes [Ru(bpy)2(bbib)](PF6)2, [Ru(phen)2(bbib)](PF6)2, [Re(CO)3(bbib)(py)](PF6) and [Ir(ppy)2(bbib)](PF6) [where bbib=4,4'-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine] have been prepared and their photophysical properties determined. Their behaviour has been studied with a variety of anions in acetonitrile, DMSO and 10 % aquated DMSO. Acetate and dihydrogenphosphate demonstrate a redshift in the bbib ligand associated absorptions suggesting that the ligand is strongly interacting with these anions. The 3MLCT emissive state is sensitive to the introduction of small quantities of anion (sub-stoichiometric quantities) and significant quenching is typically observed with acetate, although this is less pronounced in the presence of water. The emissive behaviour with dihydrogenphosphate is variable, showing systematic changes as anion concentration increases with several distinct interactions evident. 1H- and 31P-NMR titrations in a 10 % D2O-DMSO-D6 mixture suggest that with dihydrogenphosphate, the imidazole group is able to act as both a proton acceptor and donor. It appears that all four complexes can form a {[complex]2-H2PO4} "dimer", a one-to-one species (which the X-ray crystallography study suggests is dimeric in the solid-state), and a complex with a combined bis(dihydrogenphosphate) complex anion. The speciation relies on complex equilibria dependent on several factors including the complex charge, the hydrophobicity of the associated ligands, and the solvent.

A Phosphorus-Centred, Zirconocene-Bridged Tetraradical: Synthesis, Structure and Application as Molecular Double Switch.

Biradicals are important intermediates in the formation and breaking of a chemical bond. Their use as molecular switches is of particular interest. Much less is known about tetraradicals, which can, for example, consist of two biradical(oid) units. Here we report the synthesis of the first persistent phosphorus-centred tetraradical bound to a transition metal fragment. Starting from a zirconocene complex, rac-(ebthi)ZrCl2 (rac-(ebthi)=1,2-ethylene-1,10-bis(η5-tetrahydroindenyl), two cyclo-1,3-diphospha-pentane-1,3-diyls were successfully introduced, which finally led to the isolation of a deep green zirconcene-bridged bis(biradicaloid) complex (5) that can act as a double molecular switch. Under the influence of light (570 nm), this tetraradical forms a transannular bond in each of the two five-membered biradical units, leading to the formation of housane 5 h. Upon irradiation at 415 nm, the reverse reaction is observed, fully recovering tetraradical 5. Through single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation, both stable species of the molecular switch could be structurally characterised using SCXRD. The switching under the influence of light and the activation of molecular hydrogen were analysed in solution using NMR and UV spectroscopy. It was found that the addition of one or two equivalents of molecular hydrogen can be switched on and off by light.

Synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, DFT studies and biological evaluation of bis(acetonitrile)bromido(η6-1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene)osmium(II) hexafluoroantimonate

The complex bis(acetonitrile)bromido(η6-1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene)osmium(II) hexafluoroantimonate, [OsBr(C10H14)(CH3CN)2]SbF6 (1) crystallizes as a triclinic system in space group P1 (no. 2), consisting of two cationic osmium(II) complex ions and two anionic hexafluoroantimonate counterions in each cell. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ and B3LYP/Def2 − SVP/Def2 − TZVP levels of theory. Reactivity descriptors and charge transfer properties were computed using frontier molecular orbital analysis. The DFT-optimized model systems from both basis sets were comparable to the experimentally determined X-ray diffraction results. Hirshfeld surface analysis shows significant non-covalent interactions including hydrogen bonds and halogen interactions. The MTT technique was utilized to conduct an in vitro cytotoxicity assay of 1 against cancerous cell lines (MCF-7 and A549) and normal cells (HEK293). Complex 1 is potent towards cancer cells as evidenced by the IC50 values of 5.02 ± 0.05 µM for MCF-7 cells and 13.36 ± 0.04 µM for A549 cells. Complex 1 demonstrated lower toxicity to normal cells with an IC50 value of 26.76 ± 0.08 µM for the HEK293 cell line compared to the doxorubicin standard with an IC50 value of 1.2 ± 0.1 µM.